An Exhibition from the Program of The 35th Edition of the Days of Japanese Culture in Bulgaria was Opened at the "Mission" Gallery
On September 2, at 6:00 p.m., the exhibition "Caught in a Spiral" by the Japanese artist Nobuko Ueda was opened at the "Mission" gallery of the State Institute for Culture of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria. This exhibition, which is part of the 35th edition of the Days of Japanese Culture in Bulgaria and takes place within the framework of the traditional Paper Art Festival in Sofia 2024, organized by the Amateras Foundation, continues the long-standing traditions of cultural exchange between Bulgaria and Japan.
The official guests of the event were the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Maria Angelieva, H.E. Mr. Hisashi Michigami, Ambassador of Japan to Bulgaria, Prof. Todor Todorov, President of the Amateras Foundation, Daniela Todorova, Chief Organizer from the Amateras Foundation, author Nobuko Ueda and other artists participating in the Days of Japan, as well as many diplomats, artists and guests.
Deputy Minister Maria Angelieva congratulated the guests and the artist, noting: "Relations of traditional friendship and partnership with Japan occupy a priority place in the foreign policy of our country. Today's event is dedicated to three significant anniversaries in these relations, which we are celebrating through various initiatives this year - 115 years since the first official contacts, 85 years since the establishment and 65 years since the restoration of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Japan."
The director of the State Institute for Culture, Mrs. Snezhana Yoveva-Dimitrova, welcomed the many guests gathered in the garden of the "Mission" gallery - diplomats, artists, representatives of the media, critics and lovers of art and Japanese culture. In her speech, she emphasized: "Art is that unique area of our being that allows us to get to know the world and other peoples."
The Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Mr. Hisashi Michigami added that Bulgaria and Japan traditionally maintain excellent diplomatic relations, and shared some of the upcoming events in the program of the 35th Days of Japanese Culture in Bulgaria, and author Nobuko Ueda expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to present her works to the Bulgarian public and emphasized the importance of the good partnership with the "Amateras" Foundation.
The exhibition includes sculptures and reliefs that create a single organism, immersing the viewer in the Japanese aesthetic known for its minimalism and sophistication. Nobuko Ueda draws inspiration from ancient basketry techniques, which she transforms into designer-refined sculptures, impressive with their virtuosity and finesse. Working with the technique of spiral structures, Ueda uses recycled paper strips through which he expresses the symbolism of creation through the spiral. In 2020, she was awarded the Innovation Award in the Amateras Foundation's annual paper art competition.
The event was organized by the Amateras Foundation with the assistance of the Embassy of Japan and the State Institute for Culture, and with the financial support of the Visual Arts Program of the Ministry of Culture, the Creation'23 Program of the National Culture Fund and the Cultural Events Calendar of the Metropolitan Municipality for 2024.
The exhibition can be visited from Monday to Friday, between 10:00 and 17:00 until September 13.